Informal caregiver burden for solid tumour cancer patients: a review and future directions

Recent shifts in healthcare delivery and treatment for solid tumour cancer patients have modified the responsibilities of informal caregivers. The objective of this study was to: review informal caregiver burden factors and determine areas where future research is needed.

The Arksey and O'Malley's framework and a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were used in conducting this review. Research literature was systematically searched using five-electronic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, CINAHL, and SCOPUS, and reference lists from included studies to identify publications since 2010. Inclusion criterion was caregivers providing home-based care to a cancer patient.

The search yielded 43 eligible papers of 2119 reviewed, including articles from over 17 countries. Caregiver physical and psychological health, financial strain, and social isolation, as well as limited family and social support continued to be important factors contributing to high levels of caregiver burden. Less recognised factors affecting higher burden included caregivers' self-esteem, male gender, and the dynamic nature of cancer treatment.

This review updates the state of the science on informal caregiver burden when caring for patients with solid tumour cancers and informs future interventions on how to reduce this burden.